SOUTHWEST ASIA -- I’m Airman 1st Class Paul Gabriel, a 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution operator. I am deployed from the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. I joined the Air Force to travel and expand my education.
As a fuels distribution operator, my job is to deliver fuel both on and off the flight line in a responsible and timely manner. Here in the deployed environment, the demand for diesel fuel is much higher. The best part of my mission is knowing that I’m making a difference down-range, and getting various opportunities to refuel anything from UC-35Ds to C-17 Globemaster IIIs.
The biggest challenge I face in my mission is language barriers. I overcome this challenge by using hand gestures or a translator when one is available.
My professional goals are to make staff sergeant my first time testing and to work hard enough to get out of distribution and start working in fuels laboratory. I also want to go to fuels laboratory school and achieve a special experience indicator. My personal goals are to achieve my bachelors in international business management and set myself up financially for the near and distant future.
Some of my hobbies include rock climbing, snowboarding, hiking, golfing, mountain biking, camping, and shooting firearms.